There are 2 methods to obtain an EIN when not a USA Citizen or outside the USA (e.g. long-term overseas business). An Authorized Agent will need to be hired for
METHOD 1: To obtain an EIN as an international applicant, call the IRS at +1 (267) 941-1099 and press the appropriate number from the menu to receive a foreign EIN. The hours of operation are 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday. Set aside at least an hour to wait on hold and speak with a representative. Make sure that one is authorized to get the EIN (either as the owner of the business or as a Third Party Designee who has been authorized to act on behalf of the business). One will need to be able to answer questions related to Form SS-4 (search Google for the most updated form). Prior to the call, fill out the Third Party Designee section of the form if authorizing someone else to receive the EIN and answer the required questions on one's behalf. Otherwise, leave that section blank. Fill out the signature area, as the authorization will not be valid without it. Form SS-4 asks questions regarding the entity, including its U.S. mailing address (e.g. a virtual mailbox), the type of entity the company is (e.g. C-Corporation or Trust), reason for applying for an EIN (e.g. only for banking purposes), and the industry (e.g. consulting). Completing these questions in advance will save time and second-guessing, although there may be additional questions. At the end of the call, an EIN will be issued, which is immediately usable. A physical copy will come in the mail to the U.S. address given 4-8 weeks later. If there is no U.S. address, ask the representative to mail the EIN internationally or send it via email.
METHOD 2: Hire a Third Party Designee to obtain the EIN on behalf of any entity, such as IRS Gov Tax ID or IRS Tax ID Numbers. These companies will do the entire process for on behalf of anyone for a fee. The process is quite quick and will typically only take 5 to 15 minutes to complete the entire order form. From there, the Third Party Designee will call the IRS and complete the entire process found in METHOD 1. An EIN will be received from the company after 2-5 business days.